Day 10

I have procrastinated all day in writing this post. It was like that essay about Galleria all over again. (You can read about it in my first post Numbers Over Letters.) It’s a prompt for me to share my thoughts, and no surprise, I am reluctant to do it. But I am going to throw myself into it, because this is what the challenge is about. It’s a chance for me to grow.

I am sure that everyone knows of someone that has graduated high school or university this year. There have been multiple posts of individuals in the news that walked the stage while overcoming great obstacles in their personal lives. Some battled illnesses or a loss of a family member. Others were the sole providers for their families while studying. Reading their stories leaves one feeling very inspired. They are the success stories that should be celebrated.

The stories that I don’t like to hear are the ones of young people throwing away wonderful opportunities. Brilliant futures dashed to pieces because of the bad choices that were made. Potential that never got a shot at realizing itself. I wish I could express how much it saddens me to see kids that don’t take advantage of the gifts that were given to them.

You know the commandment about honoring your parents? It’s not about having a statue built in their honor. It’s not about naming a park or a building after them. It’s not about setting up a foundation as a legacy. It’s about showing that all of the sacrifices they made in raising you were worth it. Think about it. Many parents left their countries behind in order to give their children a better future. They had to say goodbye to their own parents and siblings. Some never got the chance to meet their families again. They leave early in the morning to go to work and come home late. They work hard to give their children the things that they didn’t have growing up. Many are living in the shadows, afraid to be noticed and be sent back. Every day is a struggle, but it’s for a good cause. Their children will be better off than back home. They will become someone.

I feel so strongly about this because I think that this is the least we can do to honor our parents. It doesn’t matter where you were born, or where your parents are from. I think it’s a universal desire that a parent has to see the child/children prosper and do well in life. Going to college, attending a trade school, or setting up a business are ways to build a firm foundation for the future. I wish I could tell every single teen that they shouldn’t give up. I wish I could tell them to persevere in their endeavors and reach their goals.

I could go on and on. There are so many more layers to this topic, but that’s all I will say for now. Thanks for reading!